Nepal is home to the stunning Himalaya range of Asia. In total there are fourteen mountains above 8,000 meters in the world and eight of them lies in Nepal. With all the glorious snow-capped mountains, trekking and mountaineering in Nepal witnesses a large number of tourists.

In the long list of majestic mountains, Ama Dablam is one of the most beautiful peaks in Nepal. Located at an elevation of 6,812 meters, Ama Dablam is a stunning mountain in the eastern Himalayan range of Nepal. Trekking to the base camp of Ama Dablam offers some enticing view of mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Kangtega, Ama Dablam, and other stunning peaks.

Ama Dablam trek is also an opportunity to know more about Sherpa culture.  The trek is designed to take to you some of the popular and pleasing settlement of Sherpas. Namche Bazaar, also known as Sherpa capital, is rich in Sherpa culture and tradition and depicts a typical Himalaya lifestyle.

Ama Dablam trek is a short yet sweet, taking you along the Everest region, remote valleys of the mountain and impressive view of Himalayas. So, if you are short in time but want to have the ultimate experience, then Ama Dablam is one worthy trek.

Mount Ama Dablam

The very name of mount Ama Dablam has a lovely and endearing meaning. It means “Mother’s necklace” as the long ridges on each side of mountain seems like arms of a mother (ama) protecting her child and the hanging glacier is dablam, a traditional double-pendent with pictures of gods, worn by Sherpa women. Ama Dablam is also referred as “Matterhorn of the Himalayas” because of its soaring ridges and steep faces.

The eminent peak of Ama Dablam dominates the eastern sky for anyone trekking to Everest Base Camp. It follows the same trekking trail as Everest base camp and Kala Patthar until Pangboche either through Tengboche monastery or Phortse village, but after Pangboche it just takes a day to AmaDablam base camp.

Ascent and Accidents in Ama Dablam

Ama Dablam was climbed for the first time through Southwest Ridge on March 13, 1961. It is the third most popular Himalayan peak to have permitted expeditions and southwest ridge is by far the most popular route. Climbers of AmaDablam typically sets three camps along the ride with camp three below and to the right of the hanging glacier.

While scaling this beautiful peak, several accidents causing casualty and serious damage has occurred in the past. In November 2006, a large serac collapsed swiping away several tents at camp three which killed six climbers (3 Sherpas and 3 European). Then on November 2017, a Russian was killed while jumping from the mountain in a wingsuit.

Interesting facts about Ama Dablam

-Ama Dablam comprises two peaks; main peak at 3,812 meters and another lower western peak at 6,170 meters.

-The image of Ama Dablam peak is present on the label of bottled tap water of Aqua Minerale, PepsiCo in Russia and also included in the image of trademark.

-Bear Grylls, famous British adventurer and television presenter is the youngest Briton to climb Ama Dablam at the age of 23.

-Nick Haper, an English singer-songwriter and guitarist, entitled one of the song as “Ama Dablam” on his 2010 album The Last Guitar.

-Even Apple has included an image of Ama Dablamin set of new wallpapers included with mobile operating system iOS 7 which was released on September 18, 2013.

Information on Ama Dablam Trek

Permits

While trekking in Nepal, Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permit is an essential permit, so you must obtain it in Ama Dablam trek as well. It cost USD 20 per person. You can get it in maximum 30 minutes times from Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu which is around 2 kilometers from Thamel. There is no online registration needed, just a form fill-up at Tourism Board will do the work. Also, don’t forget to take two passport size photo.

You will also require a Sagarmatha National Park permit as some part of trek takes place within the park. The permit of park can be obtained from Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the entry point of park in Monjo. It costs USD 30 + 13% tax. However, park permit requires no photographs.

Altitude sickness and acclimatization

Although the base camp of Ama Dablam is only at an elevation of 4,600 meters, you must acclimatize in lower regions for altitude sickness. Namche Bazaar is typically chosen by trekkers for acclimatization. Altitude sickness gets more prominent after 3,000 meters so be extra cautious reaching the height. Also, keep your body hydrated, get enough sleep and don’t make a rush while trekking.

Best time for trek

Aam Dablam base camp is best when accomplished in April-May and September-October. Winter and monsoon is not the best season for trekking as weather gets more risky and vulnerable in winter and monsoon gets constant downpour, slippery trails, leeches and lack of mountain view.

Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

To start the trek, we take a flight to Luka (2,827 meters) from Kathmandu viewing some of the spectacular views of mountains and hills with lush green forests. Then we will hike along the Dudh Koshi valley towards the popular Sherpa settlement of Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters. Namche is rich in Sherpa culture and tradition and a very popular tourist hub with all trekking and mountaineering items and beautiful artifacts.

After staying for a day at Namche for proper acclimatization and exploration, we move towards Tengbochhe where lies the scared and largest monastery of Khumbu, Tengboche monastery (3,867 meters) from where the breathtaking panoramic view of Everest, Nuptse, Tawache, Amadablam, Kangtega, and Lhotse can be seen.

From Tengboche, we hike towards  Pangboche. After Pangboche, the route towards the camp branches out towards east from the main trail. Now, we finally arrive at Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,600 meters). Walking towards the camp, we will get the view of many stunning peaks as well as of glacier too. After resting and exploring the beauty from this vantage point, we descend towards river, and after crossing the river with a bit climb up, we reach Pangboche.

Descending further from Pangboche, we walk through magnificent rhododendron and pine forest and beautiful waterfall; we arrive at Namche Bazaar once again. Crossing the soaring white water of Dudh Koshi in a suspension bridge and walking past several settlements reach Lukla. Now taking a flight from Lukla, we will be back to Kathmandu.